Derrick Rose is naturally quiet, a quality that makes rumors about the Chicago Bulls point guard's well-being likely to live longer than they would if he were otherwise inclined.

Rose has worked in relative reclusion to overcome a torn anterior cruciate ligament suffered last March. His uncertain injury status has helped perpetuate reports of his clearance to play, hamstring troubles and a perceived rift with Bulls management.

Speaking with team beat writers in Los Angeles, Rose cleared up much of the speculation about his 10-month effort to return from surgery. First on the agenda was his return date, which remains up in the air.

"I’m waiting to that day where I feel normal," Rose said before the Bulls practiced at UCLA, according to the Chicago Tribune. "Until then, I will just wait. I haven’t had any pressure from the organization. No one has to push me to go out there to play.

"My teammates have been doing great, playing hard for me. They’re out there fighting, so that’s a good sign. And we’re winning games. So I’m not worried about anything right now."

Rose hadn't joined teammates on the court because of an inability to dunk off his left foot, hamstring issues and mental hurdles he had yet to clear, according to reports. But Rose downplayed each aspect but agreed he must have the correct mindset to successfully return.

"I can do everything," Rose said. "It’s just me having the confidence to do it and me feeling normal. "I don’t have a (return) date, to tell you the truth. I’m just taking my time. I haven’t taken any steps back. I’m getting stronger every day. I did every workout possible. The workouts are getting a lot easier. I’m moving in the right direction.

"When I’m out there not thinking and just reacting, that’s how I know I’ll be ready."

Rose is aware of the dangers of returning too soon and negative reaction that could come along with further injury.

"If I rush back and something was to happen, everybody would say why did you rush back?" he said.

Reggie made it clear he was speaking only for himself but fed public perception that his brother would not return to a team not expected to compete for a title. Behind close doors, Reggie’s comments did not result in any problem with management, Derrick Rose said.

"Crazy, making up stuff," Rose said of a rift. "Everybody assumes everything. I’m the last person that someone will have a confrontation with. I’m not trying to argue with anyone. Everything has been great. It’s crazy. You hear all the stories that are going on and none of them are true.

"My brother is my brother. I'm going to have his back no matter what. Comments, he had to say something. That’s his opinion. I feel like the organization has been doing a great job of getting people around me. He just had to get it off his chest."

With Rose out of the fold, the Bulls have struggled to find consistent play at point guard. Kirk Hinrich has had injury problems, and Nate Robinson and Marquis Teague have had trouble maintaining their level of play over an extended stretch of games.

And when the Bulls will have an MVP manning the position again remains unclear.

"I’m just coming back when I feel normal," Rose said. "If that’s in a couple days, that’s great. If it’s not, I’m fine."